I have a friend who hates Christmas.  She's a nice girl and is really funny, but she has a genuine disdain for all things Christmas.  I asked her about it, and she had some reasons, but they were pretty flimsy.  Then she said, "and the whole Santa thing, don't EVEN get me started!"

I'm a smart enough man not to get a woman started when she warns you not to, but it started me thinking:

First, for those who believe in Jesus and the religious meaning of Christmas, I'm not arguing against you.  I believe, but I'm not against anybody who likes the idea of giving and receiving gifts with people you love.  I believe in that too.  I'm not even against the idea that some guy in a red suit brings gifts to all the children.  I think I can believe in that too.

I have several neices and nephews strung around the world (okay, only one out of the country that I know of), and those that find their way to my area around Christmas end up with a little something.  One of those nephews (from my wife's sister) adores his (only) uncle.  The feeling is mutual.  I have no problem with stepping outside myself and "helping Santa" give him a little something extra.  My ego isn't so fragile that I need credit for everything.  For him, as he gets older, I think there is something to be said about the belief in magic that comes with the belief in Santa.  I've seen when that belief goes away in young people, and they are just a little less happy for it.

Another argument for Santa:  Every day I see someone doing something nice for others, often anonymously.  Whether they are motivated by God, Buddha, the Holy Spirit, or mischief, it doesn't really matter.  In my mind, there's a little Santa in there.

So my question today:  Do you believe in Santa?  Why or Why not?